Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCCA)

SCCA are the second most common type of skin cancer. Sun exposure is the main factor in their development and they are often found on the face, ears, lower lip, scalp, arms, hands and legs. Past injuries to the skin are another important source with the cancer developing in burns, scars, ulcers, long-standing sores and sites previously exposed to radiation.

Rough, irregular, raised and scaly growths on the skin are common presentations and they may be red or brown in color. Actinic Keratoses (AK) are such growths on the skin and some of these benign lesions can develop into SCCA. They are in fact considered precancerous by many.

Squamous cell carcinomas detected at an early stage are almost always curable and cause minimal damage. However, untreated lesions eventually penetrate deeper through the skin and can become disfiguring. A small percentage of SCCA even metastasize to distant tissues and organs and can become fatal. Any suspicious growth should be seen by a physician without delay.